Trusted NSW worker stole $3 million: court

A trusted NSW accounts manager allegedly siphoned nearly $3 million from her employers over seven years, using the money to help fund an opulent lifestyle and a drag-racing business, a court has heard.

Former part-time Centurne Group employee Karlene Whyte, 42, faced trial in the Sydney District Court on Tuesday charged with 27 counts of dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception.

It's alleged that between 2007 and 2014, Whyte directed Centurne clients to make payments totalling more than $2,906,000 into her account rather than the company's.

Lithgow-based Centurne had 30 employees and was the parent for a group of companies that provided equipment and labour for the building industry in western NSW.

Mr O'Brien said Whyte worked there for seven years before the alleged fraud began and not only had the trust of director Susan Jenkins and managing director Graeme Jenkins, but there was also evidence they were friends.

"Neither Graeme nor Susan Jenkins had the slightest suspicion that she had been doing anything dishonest," he told the court.

Whyte and her maintenance mechanic husband had a combined income of up to $160,000 yet lived on a well-appointed five-acre property and owned a ski boat, multiple trail bikes, vintage cars, a Harley Davidson and three drag cars.